Encyclopedia of Espionage, Intelligence, and Security

NSF (National Science Foundation)

The National Science Foundation (NSF) directs and funds science research.
An independent agency in the United States government, the NSF was
established May 10, 1950, by passage of the National Science Foundation
Act. Subsequent amendments to the act granted the NSF further authority to
develop, fund, and oversee research in the government, academic, and
industrial sectors.

The stated mission of the National Science Foundation is to promote
scientific research that aids national health and prosperity, and protects
national security interests. The foundation endeavors to foster
communication and cooperation in the national and global science
communities. A president-appointed director, deputy director, and eight
assistant directors govern the agency. The foundation is further staffed
by the twenty-four member National Science Board.

The NSF grants student fellowships for graduate studies in the sciences,
medicine, and engineering, and sponsors post-doctoral research
opportunities. Research programs backed by the NSF range in scope from
disease research to space exploration. The foundation also develops
science education programs for school-aged children, and cosponsors
symposia, conferences, and seminars for college students and professional
researchers. In conjunction with independent researchers, professional
organizations, government agencies, and international scholars, the NSF
publishes and revises a code of ethical research practices.

The NSF often works in conjunction with the Defense Advanced Research
Projects Agency (DARPA), an organization within the Department of Defense,
to develop research projects with military, intelligence, and national
security interests. In 2001, the two organizations cosponsored research
concerning government computer systems and data security. While NSF may
aid research with implications on national security and military
technology, DARPA is responsible for classified weapons and technology
research.

As a response to the September 11, 2001, attacks on the United States, the
NSF has increased its backing of scientific research beneficial to
counterterrorism. Studying epidemic disease, combating the effects of
biological and chemical weapons, water and soil safety, and developing
better information protection systems are some of the present science- and
engineering-related national security issues addressed by NSF sponsored
research.